The Christmas Daddies Telethon on CTV and CTV Two

Halifax, NS (November 23, 2011) – The 48th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon is set for Sunday December 4, 2011 on CTV and CTV Two. This annual Maritime tradition, hosted by CTV personalities Steve Murphy, Starr Dobson and Bruce Frisko raises funds to provide toys, clothing and food to less fortunate children and their families during the holidays.

“The idea of putting a smile on a child’s face at Christmas time is what drives this Telethon,” said Mike Elgie, Vice President and General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “To know that our viewers feel the same way and provide such incredible support to children in need across our region is incredibly heartening. What better way to start the holiday season?”

The Christmas Daddies Telethon has raised over 27 million dollars since its humble beginnings in 1964. Funds raised are distributed by The Salvation Army and are returned to the area in which they originated. Last year alone, $798,000 was raised and 17,000 children from around the region received assistance as a result of the Telethon.

Steve Murphy, Starr Dobson and Bruce Frisko will be joined by former Live at 5 colleague, meteorologist Steve Weagle alongside colleagues Maria Panopalis, Tina Simpkin, Heidi Petracek and Paul Hollingsworth in Halifax. Cindy Day and Cyril Lunney will host segments broadcast from Moncton, while Jayson Baxter and Rick Grant will host in Sydney. The program will feature fabulous musical acts from around the region including Matt Minglewood, The Cottars, Peter Gillis, The Stanfields, Shania Fillmore and many other Maritime performances. An exciting new venue in PEI is sure to delight our Island viewers.

The Christmas Daddies Telethon is a long-running Maritime tradition and a volunteer effort of the staff of CTV, their family members and friends. CTV donates the air time and equipment to make the telethon possible.

“Being part of the 48th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continues to be tradition shared by hundreds of Bell Aliant employees and retirees,” said Andrew Pothier, Director Regional Services.  “Each year we transform our Halifax and Moncton Customer Care Centers into a winter wonderland and our employees spend the day answering thousands of calls from Maritimers who want to make a difference during the holiday. The generosity of Maritimers is overwhelming and Bell Aliant is delighted to be an integral part of the event.”

On Sunday, December 4th viewers will see the combined Halifax, Moncton and Sydney telethon live on CTV from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and also from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 p.m. on CTV Two. This year, the telethon will also be webcast on BellAliant.net.

For more information please contact:
Christmas Daddies
Tel: (902) 454-3232